Mrs. Jean Claire (Swanson) Henning

Jean Claire Swanson Henning of Galesburg, Illinois passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2018.

Born on February 17, 1924 in Monmouth, Illinois she was daughter of the late Oscar Albin Swanson and Constance Hosier Swanson.  Jean was preceded in death by her husband, William Harriman Henning and her daughter Laura Henning King.  She was also preceded in death by her siblings Darroll Swanson Shinn, Philip Swanson, Rolland Swanson, and Marjorie Swanson Danukos.  

She is survived by two daughters: Connie Henning Hund and her husband, Larry, of Charlottesville, VA and Joan Henning Pinckney and her husband, Tony, of Sycamore, Illinois.  

Those who knew her as Mimi are her 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren: William Miles Pinckney and his daughter, Isabella Rebecca: Leith Aaron Pinckney (Connie): Laura Marie Pinckney (fiance Dan Holloway): all of DeKalb, Illinois: in addition, Brenton Eldridge Hund (Stacy) and their sons William Riley and Wyatt Ethan of Atlanta, GA: Stephen Walker Hund (Eli) and sons Marc Alexandre and Evan Paul of Barcelona, Spain: and Heidi Hund Robinson (Tim) and daughter London Rose of Charlottesville, VA.  Son-in-law Brent King of Lexena, Kansas also survives her.  

Jean met the lifelong love of her life, Bill Henning, when she was in the 6th grade and he chased her home from school and stuck gum in her hair.  He declared then that Jean would be his girl.  They remained high school sweethearts and were married during the World War ll years while Bill attended Brown University and became an officer in the Navy. When the war ended, Bill went to the University of Michigan Law School and they started out professional life in Chicago.  They soon made their way to Galesburg where Bill practiced law and Jean lived for the next 67 years.  She devoted much of her life, talents and energy to caring for her husband, family, home and friends.  She touched many lives in different ways with a sympathetic ear, a heartfelt hug, a helping hand, and always a positive attitude.  She often said, “Everything happens for the best”.  She was known to young people as everybody’s “Other Favorite Mother”.   Although she was pint sized everyone remembers her as ageless and young at heart and able to relate to any generation.  She was the lady who got off the airplane with a hug to the stranger who had been in the seat beside her and now was a new found friend. 

Jean was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church where she served on numerous committees and made pies for newcomers or casseroles for events.  She volunteered in many areas of Community Service.  She made Christmas Ornaments for the Annual Cottage Hospital Bazaar and worked every Wednesday at the Cottage Corner and then the Community Treasures Resale Shop.  Tuesdays were Buddy Readers day for second graders in the Galesburg public schools.  She was a devoted member of the philanthropic PEO HO Chapter. 

Jean loved to play bridge and was a member of the Cugajanes and numerous bridge groups.  She was also a Charter member of Amondata.  

All those whose lives she touched can say their last goodbye at her funeral on April 14 at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Chapel, 120 N. Kellogg.  After a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall,  Burial will follow at the Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth. 

The family has suggested in lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church children’s ministry area.  Those wishing to do so may contribute to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the American Lung Association. 

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